Why should social media influencers have all the fun? Anyone with a smartphone can document their visits to eye-catching locales in Kansas City. And as the colors of fall slowly emerge, this season is an ideal time to appreciate the city's iconic sites. 🍂
In addition to creating compelling new images that will become cherished mementos (or your new profile pic), the expeditions double as opportunities for adventure. 📸
Generations of Kansas Citians have taken graduation and engagement pictures at the former J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain ⛲ and the eastern edge of The Country Club Plaza. The currently nameless fountain attained new significance during this tumultuous year of protest and change.
All of these sites — some off the beaten path and others more familiar — provide equally compelling opportunities to create fresh images. 🤳 And all of these spots can be accessed outdoors, making them safer alternatives during the pandemic.
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When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark made camp at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers in 1804 they couldn’t have known that a major American city would eventually occupy the opposite bank. 🏞️
The riverside setting at Kaw Point makes sunrise 🌅 and sunset shots of Kansas City especially dramatic, but the site is camera-ready throughout the day. And while you’re there, don’t miss the winding trails or the thought-provoking memorial to Native American tribes.
Pro tip: Kaw Point Park is accessed through the parking lot of Kaw Point Industrial Park.
📍 1403 Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, KS 66115
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| 3. Grinter's Sunflower Farm
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It’s almost impossible to take a bad picture from within the fields of Grinter Sunflower Farms. 🌻 Located near Lawrence, Kansas, Grinter Farms is a great spot for anyone looking for an adventure.
As the owners recommend in their rules of engagement, the best time to go is during the week near Labor Day. Check the farm's Facebook page to make sure conditions are ideal for your excursion, and read the rules before you go.
Pro tip: Plan your trip to capture the glow of golden hour sunlight. It happens shortly after sunrise and before sunset 🌅 and lasts about 35 minutes. ✨
📍 24154 Stillwell Rd, Lawrence, KS 66044
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| 4. Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park
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The juxtaposition of the cheeky shuttlecocks 🏸 designed by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen and the imposing formal exterior of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is quintessential Kansas City. 🏛️
But the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park surrounding the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers much more. Additional visual delights include a set of Henry Moore sculptures, Roxy Paine’s mysterious metallic tree and Magdalena Abakanowicz’s eerie headless figures.
📍 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111
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| 5. Berkley Riverfront Park
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Berkley Riverfront Park is not only a great place to capture iconic Kansas City scenery, it's a great place to adventure, take in river views and see art installations. 🎨 You can also check out the original Town of Kansas settlement and remnants of steamboat docks, and wander through a Wetlands Restoration area. 🏞️
📍 1298 Riverfront Rd, Kansas City, MO 64120
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| 6. Rosedale Memorial Arch
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The National World War I Museum and Memorial rightly receives more attention from tourists and civic leaders, but the humble Rosedale Memorial Arch offers plenty of charm itself. In addition to honoring men and women who sacrificed their lives in World War I, the site provides a forest-lined view of the Kansas City skyline. 🌇
Pro tip: While the arch is clearly visible from I-35, the setting near the intersection of Southwest Boulevard and Rainbow Boulevard is tricky to access. Be very careful making the blind turn up the bluff. 🛑
📍 Park Dr, Kansas City, KS 66103
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The Kansas City Public Library Central Library has a lot to offer. 📖 Not only is it the main resource library for the city's library system, but it's also right in the middle of downtown Kansas City and offers multiple selfie-worthy sites. 🤳
There's the giant bookshelf 📚 of course, and Central Library's Rooftop Terrace, which gives you a stellar view of the Kansas City skyline. The library is unfortunately closed due to COVID-19, so you can add that one to your post-pandemic to-do list.
📍 Find the giant bookshelf on 10th St. between Baltimore St. and Wyandotte St.
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A stunning building inside and out, Union Station is a top photo destination — especially when it's decked out in red for football season like it is now. 🏈 It's also a must-see for anyone visiting during the holidays. We'll have to wait and see how (or if) any of its traditions change during this upcoming holiday season.
📍 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108
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| More Adventures in Kansas City
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|  | Terra Luna: A Light and Sound Experience
Head to the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Thursday, Sept. 17-20 for an immersive Quixotic experience on the grounds of the Arboretum. Masks and social distancing required. Tickets are $25.
| |  | Pumpkin Patch Painting Party
Join the folks at Ceramic Cafe Thursday, Sept. 17 for an evening of ceramic pumpkin painting. Seating is limited and masks are required. Ceramic Cafe asks that each guest purchase a $25 ticket in advance to allow for proper social distancing.
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